It’s a scary statistic – one in every eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Fortunately, Fort Bend women have the perfect partner for lifelong breast health.
At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, a dedicated team of health care professionals combines the latest technologies and techniques; individualized, compassionate care; and a unique program of support to ensure that women receive the personal attention they deserve.
“No one else in Fort Bend provides comprehensive care like we do here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital,” said Jorge Darcourt, MD, board-certified medical oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncoloy Partners. “We continually strive to enhance our services and be true partners with our patients – experts they can trust no matter what their breast care needs may be.”Complete care begins with screening
Most women recognize that annual mammograms – beginning at age 40 – are a key component in breast health, but busy schedules and competing priorities can make it difficult to find the time. To make scheduling more convenient, women can schedule their mammograms online at houstonmethodist.org/imaging.
Plus, Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers the latest and most sophisticated imaging technology, including:
• 3-D mammography
• Breast MRI
• Digital mammography
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• Ductography
• Needle localization
• Stereotactic biopsies
• Ultrasound-guided biopsies
All imaging results are read by full-time, specially trained breast radiologists, who are exclusively dedicated to breast care.What if you receive the diagnosis that no one wants to hear?
The experts at Houston Methodist Sugar Land work together to begin treatment immediately. That level of collaboration is possible because Houston Methodist Sugar Land provides comprehensive breast care all on the same campus.
Our experts include breast surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, nurse navigators, and patient support personnel, including physical therapists, dieticians and more.
“Having everything a patient needs under one roof is a major benefit for our patients. They do not need to go to one facility for imaging, another for surgery, another for chemo and yet another for radiation,” said Clive Shkedy, MD, board-certified radiation oncologist with Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land. “Everything can be completed on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus, making it more convenient for the patient.”
“At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, the breast care team works together and communicates frequently to customize each patient-specific treatment plan. We continue to collaborate closely throughout treatment to stay informed of updates and to ensure the best possible outcome,” said Sandra Templeton, MD, breast surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners. “Since the hospital and physicians now share an electronic health record, MyChart, patients do not have to transport charts or request charts to be faxed to multiple facilities or offices.
When surgery is required, Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners offers advanced techniques, including nipple-sparing mastectomies, skin-sparing mastectomies, minimal incision and oncoplastic procedures, which allow breast conservation lumpectomies to be performed with a more cosmetically pleasing outcome.“Our team shares the belief that lifelong breast care is the foundation of our practice, and we are dedicated to helping patients understand their individual diagnosis as well as the diverse treatment options available to them,” said Templeton.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land also has oncology nurse navigators dedicated to guiding patients through the entire treatment process, providing education, help with expediting appointments and identifying additional resources such as financial consultation and support groups.
“A cancer diagnosis is stressful enough, so we really want our patients’ experience to be as stress-free as possible,” said Melissa De Los Santos, BSN, RN, OCN, nurse navigator for breast and gynecologic cancers at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Our personal touch begins the minute a patient arrives for a screening mammogram and continues throughout every aspect of their care for as long as needed.”

Services that go beyond
Because many breast cancer survivors have significant needs long after their formal course of treatment is over, Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers a proven, multidisciplinary program designed to help patients cope with life after cancer.
The program includes physical and occupational therapies that help overcome side effects caused by breast cancer treatment such as weakness, fatigue, difficulty with arm range of motion, and peripheral neuropathy.
It also includes certified lymphedema therapists who can help reduce post-treatment swelling of extremities.
And to aid patients in dealing with the psychological and spiritual issues surrounding cancer, the hospital’s clinical social workers and chaplains provide ongoing assistance and resources, along with support groups where women can share their stories and learn from other survivors.Your health – make the smart choice
When it comes to lifelong breast health, choosing Houston Methodist Sugar Land as your partner is the smart choice.
You don’t have to go through treatment feeling alone or uncertain — call our nurse navigator for more information or for assistance with scheduling the right physician for you at 281.672.8585.